Evangel University presents 2014 E.M. and Estella Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service

April 29, 2014 | Anna Lester

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bernard “Bernie” Dana, associate professor of business and chair of the business department, is the 2014 recipient of Evangel University’s E.M. and Estella Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service.

The award, which includes a cash grant, will be presented Friday, May 2, during Evangel’s 56th annual commencement ceremony at James River Church in Ozark, Mo.

“Bernie Dana is an alumnus who has given faithfully and tirelessly to serve Evangel University” said Dr. Glenn Bernet, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He is a proven leader in the business world and brings his knowledge, experience and wisdom to the classroom. As business department chair, he goes far beyond the call of duty to care for our students, direct our business programs and serve as mentor to students and faculty. The Evangel community is blessed to have him as a leader, an example and a friend.”

The Clark Award was established by Dan and Elaine Johnson in 1991 to recognize her parents’ work on behalf of higher education in the Assemblies of God. Students, faculty and staff submit nominations and a committee makes the final decision.

“This is a tremendous honor to receive from a university that has helped shape my life in many different ways,” Dana said. “It is a privilege to be able to invest in the lives of the students each day.”

About Dana

In addition to chairing the business department for three years, Dana has served Evangel in several capacities since his arrival in the fall of 2001. Prior to joining the faculty, Dana served on the Evangel Board of Directors for a total of 16 years. He also served as president of the EU Alumni Association and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1996.

Dana, a 1967 graduate of Evangel University, earned a Master of Quality Management degree from Loyola University and served for 28 years in the long-term care profession. He is an experienced consultant, author, speaker and corporate executive.

Before joining the Evangel faculty, Dana served as the executive vice president of Vetter Health Services, based in Omaha, Neb. Dana was also the corporate secretary and member of the board of directors for Vetter Holding, Inc., its 33 subsidiary corporations and the Vetter Foundation, a charitable organization that supports Christian ministries and quality long-term care training.

Evangel is a national, Christian university of arts, sciences and professions located in Springfield, Mo., and draws 2,400 students from all 50 states and abroad. Evangel offers more than 100 undergraduate academic programs and 10 master’s programs. The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary at Evangel offers five additional master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees, including two Ph.D.s.

About Evangel

Evangel is an accredited, liberal arts university with more than 100 academic programs on the cutting edge of today's professional fields. Our commitment to the integration of faith, learning and life attracts students from a wide variety of Christian denominational backgrounds who have a strong commitment to academics with a desire to combine their Christian faith with every aspect of their lives.